Chapter 2: 15 

2:15 "Study to show thyself approved, a workman that needeth not be ashamed but rightly dividing the word of truth."

Paul in his letter to Timothy, admonished the young minister to study that he might show himself a workman grounded in the doctrine of his faith and motivated by a Christian zeal, but according to knowledge.

Although Paul's letter was directed originally to Timothy, it is directed generally at every man, woman and child that professes Christianity. The admonition to study applies just as much today as it did in Timothy's day. The need to become fully equipped ambassador's for Christ, applies just much today as it did in Timothy's day. And the need for thorough training in the doctrine of our faith is just as pressing today as it was at the time of this text.

Chapter 3: 5

3:5 "Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away."

Paul writes to Timothy, his student in the ministry, about the influences of the world and how he and all Christians, should relate to them.

This passage specifically addresses a category of living called "apostasy." Apostasy refers to people who are in the faith partially, but are also participating in, endorsing and promoting the evil influences of the world. Personally they have developed a negative lifestyle that is detracting from their life as a Christian. The word of God in verses 2-4 lists 18 specific ungodly practices that many people are trying to hold on to while also trying to live the Christian life at the same time.

Because they attend church, the word of God declares in verse 5, "they have a form of Godliness" but they are not under the full power of God. Every Christian is directly urged to turn away from or "turn loose" such practices that they might receive the full of power of God.

Chapter 4:8

4:8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord,the righeteous judge, shall give me at that day, and not to me only, but unto all them that love his appearing

   Paul had suffered much during the course of his life for the cause of Christ. His sufferings began immediately following his conversion on the road to Damascus. In Damascus there was a plot to kill him. There was a plot to kill him
in Jerusalem. They drove him out of Antioch and attempted to stone him in Iconium. He was stoned and left for dead in Lystra. In Phillipi, they beat him with rods and put him in stocks.
  In Thessalonica the Jews and the rabble tried to mob him. They drove him out of Berea, plotted against him in Corinth and almost killed him in Ephesus. He was imprisoned, ship wrecked and deprived on numerous occasions
during his life.
..And at the time of this text he was imprisoned in Rome awaiting his death on the chopping block.
  Perhaps this is why he writes with such confidence: "I have fought the good fight, I have finished my course, and henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness."
  Paul viewed the crown that he was to receive as the highest symbol of his life for Christ.